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Between work, relationships, grocery shopping, and more work, the last thing you want to think about are the home projects that have been sitting on your to-do list for months (maybe years—no shame). Here’s a plot twist: What if we told you there’s a way to spruce up your house without stealing away a bunch of your free time?
Whether you consider yourself a Zillow lurker or you’re looking to list your home sometime in the future, you’ll be interested in a little tidbit we pulled from a recent report the real-estate marketplace put together with home services website Thumbtack. The study, which included data from 3.9 million homes listed for sale between June 2023 and May 2024, revealed the impact of one relatively simple, no-demo home upgrade: adding window boxes. Specifically, homes with window boxes can receive up to 48% more saves and 52% more shares on Zillow compared to properties without them.
The Top 10 No-Demo Renos That Get Buyers’ Attention
- Window boxes
- Open shelving
- Painted brick
- Vintage touches
- Outdoor TV
- Picket fence
- Pergola
- Firepit
- Outdoor sound system
- Smart lighting
The thing we love about this is that there are so many ways to add this feature without having to hire a contractor. We recommend investing in a kit that includes instructions and brackets for a sturdy installation. Another work-around? Set up some raised garden beds underneath your ground-level windows to mimic the look—this is also a great option if you’re looking to plant more blooms than a single box will support.
When budgets are tight (the price of homeownership is at an all-time high, after all), a low-cost upgrade is worth celebrating. And while window boxes may have topped the list, there were plenty of other DIYs up for suggestion: Open shelving, painted brick, picket fences, pergolas, smart lighting, outdoor TVs, and firepits are low-touch updates that make a massive difference for those scrolling Zillow.
You’re welcome…or maybe we’re sorry, because now the only thing you’re going to be able to notice as you peruse Zillow is how many homes do (or don’t) have window boxes.
Copper Flower Box, Rejuvenation ($149)
30" Charleston PVC Window Boxes, Flower Window Boxes ($115)
